More than 200 international buyers from diverse markets participated in this edition. What does such a broad international turnout mean for Peru, and what concrete opportunities does it create for national tourism companies?

Having international buyers from the Americas, Europe, Asia, and Oceania represents a major opportunity for Peruvian tourism because it allows our entrepreneurs to present their products and experiences directly to key decision-makers in their respective markets.

This creates concrete opportunities for business deals, the opening of new commercial routes, and the strengthening of strategic alliances. For many regional companies, especially small and medium-sized enterprises, Peru Travel Mart represents the possibility of internationalizing their offerings and accessing markets that were previously difficult to reach. This year, special attention was given to the Pope Leo XIV Route, promoted by the Regional Government of Lambayeque and the Regional Government of Callao.

This year, Australia returned after several years as a participating market in Peru Travel Mart. How do you interpret this return, and what impact could it have on the internationalization of Peruvian tourism?

Australia’s return is highly significant because it reflects the growing interest of long-haul markets in authentic, cultural, and sustainable destinations such as Peru. Australian travelers seek experiences connected to nature, adventure, gastronomy, and heritage — segments in which our country has outstanding strengths.

Opening ourselves to new markets also enables us to diversify the origin of international visitors, reduce dependence on traditional markets, and expand Peru’s presence in regions with strong tourism growth potential.

The event has strengthened its commitment to decentralization through familiarization trips to regions such as Ayacucho, Cajamarca, Cusco, Chachapoyas, and Ica. What is the importance of showcasing a diverse Peru beyond the traditional destinations?

Decentralization is one of the most important pillars of Peru Travel Mart 2026. We want to demonstrate that Peru is much more than its traditional destinations and that our regions offer an enormous diversity of cultural, gastronomic, historical, and natural experiences.

Fam trips allow buyers and international media representatives to experience these destinations firsthand, immerse themselves in the local experience, and later promote and commercialize them with greater confidence. This creates opportunities for regional economies, boosts local employment, and contributes to a more balanced distribution of tourism benefits across the country.

Peru Travel Mart brings together tour operators, hotels, airlines, specialized media, and international buyers. What role does public-private collaboration currently play in consolidating the recovery and expansion of inbound tourism in the country?

Public-private collaboration is essential. Events such as Peru Travel Mart are made possible through the joint efforts of CANATUR and PROMPERÚ, together with the ongoing support of regional and local governments, as well as private companies.

Tourism is a cross-cutting industry that requires continuous coordination to improve connectivity, promotion, infrastructure, and service quality. When the public and private sectors work in alignment, better conditions are created to attract international visitors and strengthen the country’s competitiveness.

The event was declared of National Tourism Interest by the Ministry of Foreign Trade and Tourism. What does this institutional recognition represent, and how does it strengthen Peru’s international image as a safe and competitive destination?

This recognition represents highly important support for the work Peru Travel Mart has been carrying out for more than three decades. Being declared an event of National Tourism Interest demonstrates that it has a positive impact on the promotion and commercialization of Peruvian tourism.

In addition, it strengthens the confidence of international markets because it projects an image of institutional commitment, coordination, and professionalism in positioning Peru as a safe, reliable, and competitive destination.

The global tourism industry is undergoing significant changes related to sustainability, digitalization, and new consumer trends. How is Peru Travel Mart adapting to these transformations, and what innovations are being introduced in the 2026 edition?

Peru Travel Mart has evolved alongside the latest global tourism trends. Today, there is a stronger focus on sustainable experiences, responsible tourism, and the digitalization of commercial processes.

In this edition, we have strengthened networking tools and coordinated more than 7,500 business appointments, while also promoting experiences linked to sustainability, living culture, experiential tourism, and religious tourism. We are also working to provide greater visibility for emerging destinations and specialized or tailor-made products that respond to the new demands of the international market.

Peru competes with major tourism destinations across Latin America to attract international visitors. In your opinion, what are the main challenges the country currently faces in strengthening its position within global tourism?

One of the main challenges is to continue strengthening air connectivity and tourism infrastructure across the country’s different regions. It is also important to further consolidate an image of safety, stability, and sustainability.

Likewise, we must continue working on international promotion, sector training, and the diversification of the tourism offering in order to remain competitive against other destinations in the region.

After more than three decades of Peru Travel Mart, how would you describe the evolution of the event, and what do you believe have been the key milestones in its consolidation as an international tourism business platform?

Peru Travel Mart has undergone a very significant evolution. It began as a platform mainly focused on tourism promotion, and today it has become the country’s leading tourism commercialization event, with a very strong decentralization component.

Among its main milestones are the sustained growth in international participation. This year, we have broken all records in both participation and business appointments, together with the active incorporation of the regions and the strengthening of specialized business roundtables such as networking activities.

Finally, what message would you like to convey to tourism entrepreneurs, international operators, and authorities participating in this edition of Peru Travel Mart regarding the future of Peruvian tourism and its growth opportunities?

Peru has an extraordinary opportunity to consolidate itself as one of the most important tourism destinations in Latin America. We have a diverse, authentic, and highly competitive tourism offering that continues to generate strong interest in international markets.

I would like to highlight the commitment of the entrepreneurs, authorities, and strategic partners who make this joint effort possible. Tourism not only generates business opportunities, but also drives regional development, employment, and opportunities for thousands of Peruvian families.

Peru Travel Mart 2026 precisely reflects this vision of sustainable growth, regional integration, and openness to the world. We look forward to welcoming you again next year.

Tourism and Society Think Tank would like to express its sincere gratitude to Maritza Rodríguez de Montero for sharing with us her vision of the present and future of Peru Travel Mart 2026 and the development of Peruvian tourism.

Her reflections highlight Peru’s enormous potential as a competitive, sustainable, and culturally diverse destination, as well as the importance of strengthening public-private collaboration to foster new international opportunities. We particularly value her commitment to tourism decentralization, the promotion of authentic experiences, and the integration of the country’s regions within a global growth strategy.

For TSTT, this interview represents a valuable contribution to the international dialogue on responsible tourism, innovation, and regional cooperation. We extend our recognition and best wishes for the continued success of Peru Travel Mart in its future editions and international tourism initiatives.